Rodrigo Receives Two-Match Ban
UEFA has suspended Real Madrid forward Rodrigo for two Champions League matches. The ban stems from a red card he received in a January 2026 match against Benfica, which was shown for two yellow cards in quick succession during stoppage time, followed by the use of abusive language. This disciplinary action highlights UEFA's strict stance on player conduct in its premier club competition.
Following Rodrigo's dismissal, Real Madrid was reduced to nine men, as teammate Raul Asensio had also been sent off for a similar offense. The match concluded with a 4-2 defeat for Real Madrid. Notably, one of Benfica's goals was scored by their goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin.
Impact and Player Statistics
The two-match suspension was also imposed for the foul language that led to the red card, which is the first of Rodrigo's career at Real Madrid. In the 2025/26 season, he has scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists across 26 appearances for the club. As a result of the ban, he will miss both legs of the Champions League playoff round's round of 16 tie against Benfica.
Rodrigo, a 25-year-old Brazilian, is under contract with Real Madrid until June 2028. He has issued a public apology for his actions:
'I let my emotions get the better of me and started complaining about time-wasting in the heat of the moment. This is not my usual behavior. I fully understand the consequences of my actions and apologize to the fans, the club, my teammates, and the coach.' - Rodrigo
This suspension underscores the critical importance of discipline at the highest levels of European football. Losing a key attacker for such decisive playoff fixtures presents a significant challenge for Real Madrid, placing additional pressure on the remaining squad members to advance in the tournament.